The Relationship between Walking Activity and Cardiorespiratory Endurance Using the Six Minute Walking Test in Female Students of the Physiotherapy Study Program, Airlangga University

Abstract

Background: Walking is a simple physical activity that plays an important role in improving fitness and cardiorespiratory endurance. College students are a group at risk of decreased physical activity due to a sedentary lifestyle. Objective: To determine the relationship between walking activity and cardiorespiratory endurance using the Six Minute Walking Test (6MWT) in female Physiotherapy students at Airlangga University. Methods: This study used an observational analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 25 female students aged 18–22 years who were selected using random sampling. Walking activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF), while cardiorespiratory endurance was measured using the Six Minute Walking Test (6MWT) to calculate VO₂Max. Data analysis used the Spearman's rho test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The average VO₂Max value of the respondents was 30.74 ± 6.18 mL/kg/min. The Spearman test results showed an r value of 0.59 with a p value of 0.002, indicating a positive and significant relationship between walking activity and cardiorespiratory endurance. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between walking activity and cardiorespiratory endurance. Regular walking activity can improve the fitness and cardiorespiratory capacity of female physiotherapy students.